Pepsi Ships Compostable Fountain Cups

PURCHASE, NY -- PepsiCo said it has begun offering five types of recyclable and compostable cups to its foodservice customers in the United States.

The new offerings consist of fully recyclable clear plastic cups, including an rPET cup containing 20% post-consumer recycled content, as well as compostable paper and wax cups made with plant-based materials sourced from sustainably managed forests. Operators select the cup best suited to their locally available recycling and composting disposal facilities.

The Pepsi-branded cups communicate their environmental benefit, with graphics that state: "Wow, Our Cups are Fully Recyclable," or a similar message appropriate for the materials used. The cups also encourage consumers to visit Earth911.com for information on how to properly dispose of materials in their local communities.

PepsiCo introduced the "green" cups in response to growing demand for eco-friendly beverage packaging, particularly among college and university students. The beverage giant's research found that 94% of consumers are concerned about the environmental effects of beverage packaging, and 60% of Millennials and Gen-Xers would be willing to pay slightly more for recycled beverage packaging that's better for the environment.

PepsiCo Inc. unveiled its 100% recyclable PET bottle, made entirely of plant material, this spring and plans to pilot its production in 2012. | SEE STORY

Rival Coca-Cola Co. currently makes a bottle composed of 30% plant-based materials. | SEE STORY